Biblical Theology

Brief Profile of the Biblical Theology Department, CIWA

“The study of Sacred Scripture is, as it were, the soul of Theology” (VG, 70 par. 1)

The Biblical Theology Department of the Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, was one of the first three Departments the Institute began with from its inception on 8th December 1981. ln line with the overall vision of the Institute, the objectives of the department are as follows:

1.    To promote scientific, exegetical and contextual study of the Sacred Scripture.

2.    To train church personnel grounded in Biblical Theology in the socio-cultural context of Africa and in fidelity to the Church Tradition and the Magisterium.

3.    To train teachers for major seminaries and other higher institutes in the sub-region.

From onset the Department has been blessed with well qualified and seasoned lecturers who have continued to produce graduates with Masters (MTh), Licentiate (STL) and Doctoral (PhD) degrees in the line the aforementioned objectives. Those graduates in turn have distinguished themselves in Church and society. Among them today are Bishops, Rectors of Major Seminaries, Professors to mention but a few.

From its inception the academic activities of the Department had been piloted by the following Heads: Justin S. Ukpong, Kris Owan, Teresa Okure, SHCJ, Emmanuel Nwaoru, Ignatius Obinwa and Luke Ijezie, while at present is Peter Onwuka.

The Department has produced the following Professors: Justin S. Ukpong, Teresa Okure, SHCJ, Emmanuel Nwaoru, Anthony Iffem Umoren, Ignatius Obinwa and Luke Ijezie.

Current Composition of the Department

The Department has seven full-time lecturers:  Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Iffem Umoren, MSP; Rev. Fr. Prof. Luke Ijezie; Rev. Fr. Prof. Ignatius Obinwa; Rev. Fr. Dr Peter Onwuka; Rev. Fr. Dr Paul Jatau,  Rev. Fr. Dr Benjamin Emmanuel and Rev. Fr. Dr Stephen Dedua.. 

Biblical Theology Courses

In keeping with Sapientia Christiana and Veritatis Gaudium the Department offers courses in the following Stress Areas:

1.    Introductory courses in Methodology. Biblical; Theology, Exegesis and Hermeneutics

2.    Old Testament Textual Study and Exegesis

3.    Old Testament Thematic Study and Theology

4.    New Testament Textual Study and Exegesis

5.    New Testament Thematic Study and Theology

6.    Studies in Intertestamental Period

7.    The Bible and First World Cultures

Courses in these areas help students to acquire mastery of basic exegetical and methodological skills needed in handling Biblical text, knowledge of contemporary interpretative methodologies applied in reading the Bible in context, and major research tools available in all these areas.

To prepare students to read and understand a biblical text in its original language, the department offers as Beginner’s or Propaedeutic programme one year intensive courses on Old Testament Hebrew Morphology (BIB 4010) and New Testament Greek Morphology (BIB 4030). Here they learn fundamentals of Biblical Hebrew and Greek Grammars and Paradigms, while they learn easy translations from the Hebrew and Greek Bible.

Major Courses Offered in the Following Areas:

1.    Biblical Languages

·       Old Testament Hebrew Syntax and Lexis

·       New Testament Greek Syntax and Lexis

·       Biblical Aramaic

Here the student acquires the ability for syntactical analysis of chosen Biblical texts as well as for reading and translating the same. There is also introductory study of Textual Criticism of both testaments. Doctoral candidates are expected to demonstrate high proficiency in the knowledge of Biblical Hebrew and Greek and a good working knowledge of Biblical Aramaic (BIB 6032).

Outside the major courses students are also expected to take Elective and Faculty courses which they may choose from or outside the Biblical Department.

2.    Biblical Methodologies

The student studies the basic characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of the major methodologies applied in contemporary Biblical studies, Old and New Testaments, particularly

·       the Historical Critical (diachronic) method and its different components: Source, Form, Redaction, Literary, Textual religionsgeschichtliche, etc. criticisms

·       Synchronic and Contextual Approaches; Liberative and Inculturation Hermeneutics; Biblical interpretation in Africa

·       Women Hermeneutics ( womanist and African women hermeneutics).

3.    Exegesis (OT and NT)

The student is introduced to the process of interpreting or explaining select Biblical texts and passages from Biblical books, using major research tools and methodologies. Some of the books studied are:

·       Pentateuch (Genesis)

·       Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea)

·       Wisdom Literature and Psalms (Psalms, Wisdom Literature)

·       Gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke, John)

·       Pauline Epistles (Romans, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians)

·       Letter to the Hebrews and Catholic Epistles

·       The Book of Revelation

4.    Biblical Themes and Cultures (OT and NT)

Select Biblical themes are treated as courses or Seminars, especially those relevant to the African context. They cover among others:

·       The Old Testament Covenants (particularly the Sinai Covenant) and the monarchy in their Biblical and extra-Biblical contexts, and relevance for Africa

·       Prophetic Literature and related issues, e.g., politics, religion, social justice, etc. in Africa

·       Parables of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount in their Biblical and contemporary African contexts

·       Contemporary Issues in Biblical Miracles & Faith Healing in African context

·       New Testament Attitude towards cultures (OT, Jewish, Gentile), with a focus on African cultures

·       Biblical and Contemporary Issues in Sex and Gender and Cultural Hermeneutics

·       Institutions, Ministries in OT and NT

Admission and Admission Requirements

The admission process begins from the first week of May and closes on the first week of October every year. To apply, click on ADMISSIONS on the website (www.ciwa.edu.ng) and follow the instructions. For admission requirements, visit www.ciwa.edu.ng click on Admissions, then on requirements.

Sacred Liturgy

DEPARTMENT OF SACRED LITURGY

Candidates in Sacred Liturgy are required to acquire a holistic knowledge of this branch of theology which deals with the life of worship in the Catholic Church. The Sacred Liturgy Department studies liturgy as a science with proper methodology. The Department offers courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate (Masters, Licentiate and Doctorate) levels. Contact us to learn more.

Courses for Undergraduate Degree:

RES 117          Introduction to Religious Worship

RES 217          Ancient Church History

RES 218          Medieval & Contemporary Church History

RES 327          Principles and Norms of Christian Worship

RES 423          Religion and Art in African Culture

Courses for Postgraduate Levels, Masters/Licentiate Degrees:

LIT 5011 Liturgical Methodology:

The course studies how to write a scientific research, liturgical textual criticism and hermeneutics of liturgical texts. It focuses on liturgy as a science, with a proper methodology, methodological criticism of liturgical documents, internal and external criticisms of liturgical materials, hermeneutics of liturgical documents, for instance, Biblical texts, Patristic and Euchological texts, and finally, global interpretation of the liturgical themes. Equally, it discusses the liturgical books in relation to their origin, history, development and theology. It examines the sources of liturgical tradition as working instruments for other studies. Other available courses are:

LIT 5041         Gestures and Postures in the Liturgy

LIT 5131         History of the Liturgy According to Cultural Epochs

LIT 5111         Introduction to Eastern Liturgies

LIT 5211         Theology of Liturgy

LIT 5311         Rites of Christian Initiation

LIT 5341         Rites of Reconciliation

LIT 5421         Liturgical Buildings/Edifices

LIT 5521         Liturgy and Bible/Liturgical Homily

LIT 5381         Rite of Virginity and Religious Profession

LIT 5371         Rite of Matrimony

LIT 5411         Principles of Liturgical Inculturation

LIT 5021         Liturgical Laws and Ceremonies

LIT 5451         Liturgy and Christian Responsibility

LIT 5321         Current Liturgical Problems

LIT 5511         Liturgy and Sources

LIT 5061         Pastoral Liturgy

LIT 5261         Liturgy and Ecology

LIT 5431         Order of Dedication of Church and Altar

LIT 5541         Creation of Rites As Alternative

LIT 5132         Theology of the Liturgical Year

LIT 5032         Liturgical Celebration and Community Building (Seminar)

LIT 5092         Signs and Symbols in Worship

LIT 5222         Liturgy and Pneumatology

LIT 5242         Liturgy and Ecumenism

LIT 5112         Introduction to Western Liturgies

LIT 5352         Rites of Anointing and Pastoral Care of the Sick

LIT 5162         Patristic Liturgical Literature

LIT 5252         Liturgy and Mariology

LIT 5142         Cult of the Saints and Ancestors

LIT 5362         Rite of Priestly Ordination

LIT 5062         Liturgical Spirituality

LIT 5392         Death and Christian Funeral Rites

Courses for Doctorate Degree:

LIT 6011 Liturgical Methodology:

Candidates for the doctorate degree in Sacred Liturgy are required to examine the different scientific approaches adopted in the study of sacred liturgy and the relation of this subject to other branches of theology. Other available courses are:

LIT 6111         Liturgical Year in the non-Roman Western Liturgies

LIT 6121         Rite of Penance in the Oriental Churches

LIT 6131         Celebration of the Liturgy of the Word

LIT 6141         Ad Celebratione Paschale Sacramentum

LIT 6151         Relationship between the Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours (West)

LIT 6162         Charisms and Ministries in the NT

LIT 6152         Holy Spirit and Eucharist

LIT 6172         Liturgical Assembly and Mystery of the Church

LIT 6182         Celebrating in the Holy Spirit

LIT 6191         Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours

LIT 6211         Current Liturgical Problems

LIT 6222         Liturgy and Liberation

LIT 6231         Inculturation of the Liturgy of the Hours (West)

LIT 6241         Liturgical Inculturation of “De Benedictionibus”

LIT 6251         Liturgical Inculturation of “De Ordinatione Diaconi, Presbyteri et Episcopi”

LIT 6261         Liturgical Inculturation of “Ordo Lectionum Missae”

LIT 6272         Prefaces of the “Missale Romanum” of Paul VI

Lecturers in the Department:

Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Danjuma Uchu (HOD)

Rev. Fr. Assoc. Prof. Emmanuel C. Anagwo

Rev. Fr. Dr. Victor Jammah Usman

Rev. Fr. Dr. Kingsley Ifeanyi Nze

Systematic Theology

DEPARTMENT OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

Systematic theology is the coherent and systematic presentation of the Christian doctrine, and its content rests on the historical revelation of God in the historical figure of Jesus Christ. By its very nature, systematic theology is a discipline in theology. Systematic theology is the main branch of Christian theology, which draws on scriptures and Church’s tradition for its analysis of the data of the Christian revelation. In its analysis, it presents coherently the major themes of the Christian doctrines. The deep meaning of systematic theology is contained in the revelation that Christ makes of himself in the Trinity, in Creation, in Redemption, in the Eucharist, in the Church and in the sacraments.

Courses Available in the Department: The Department offers twenty four courses in the discipline of Systematic theology, and each for two hours of credit loads and a thesis of six credits, should be required for the STL degree in the programme. The courses offered in the discipline of Systematic Theology are as follows: Major courses, within the student’s area of specialization, faculty and elective courses, which are designed to broaden the student’s knowledge, seminars, which involve written and presenting of research papers. Included in the programme are such courses like Theology and Ecology, Evangelization and Social Justice, Faith Doing Justice, Human Dignity and Human Rights.

Stress Areas of Study in Systematic Theology: There are four major stressed areas in the department of Systematic Theology.

0 Foundational Courses – Introduction to Systematic Theology and 

Introductory Courses in Methodology

1 Theology of God (Human Being, Creation and Ecology) and Christology

2 Pneumatology, Soteriology and Eschatology

3 Ecclesiology and Mariology

4 Sacramental Theology and Theology of Grace

Lecturers in the Department1.⁠ ⁠Fr. Prof. Ferdinand Nwaigbo

Rev. Fr. Dr. Paul Kangkai (HOD)

Rev. Fr. Prof. Ferdinand Nwaigbo

Rev. Fr. Dr. Cosmas Ebebe (Sabbatical)

Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Abel

Rev. Fr. Dr. Hilary Okeke

Moral Theology

DEPARTMENT OF MORAL THEOLOGY

Introduction

Moral Theology fundamentally considered is a systematic and methodical understanding of Christian faith and the truths of Christian faith in relation to human conduct. Moral Theology begins, not from the rational reflection in one’s proper being but from reflection in revelation accepted in faith. It is both a study of God who inserts our life in his salvific work and also of man created by God and elevated to life in Christ Jesus.

The second Vatican council brought to the attention of the whole church the need of renewal in theology and moral Theology in particular. Concerning moral theology, the council complains that “the institutions, laws, and modes of thinking and feeling as handed down from previous generations do not always seem to be well adapted to the contemporary state of affairs”. (GS.7). Hence an imbalance develops between theoretical system of thought, which cannot fully master all the aspects of man’s existence today and a way of life and acting which is modern in practical matters, between the demands of moral conscience and a concern for practicality and efficiency. (GS.8). Today, moral theology is required to bridge this gap, and to reconcile theory and practice.

There is a close relationship between moral Theology and all other branches of theology. This is because it deals with all aspects of human conduct. As science and technology advances in modern discoveries, moral theology is also advancing in its approach to those other discoveries. This is because, they affect the human conduct. The pastoral constitution on the church in the modern word is one of the documents of the second Vatican council dedicated to questions of moral and pastoral theology. This document offers many contributions to a better understanding of Christian morality.

The aim of the Department is to make the students understand the teachings of the council, the popes, and synods that come after the council, especially as they relate to their moral actions. The courses offered are designed to help the students to achieve the above objectives, and to be abreast with modern discoveries in knowledge.

There are four stress Areas in the overall design of the courses. These include:

• The Methodology and General principles,
• Marriage
• Morality in society
• These stress Areas relate to the other parts of Theology.

A SESSION COURSES OVERVIEW

*students are expected to take at least one seminar in the semester.

Lecturers in the Department

1.⁠ ⁠Fr. Dr. Benjamin Yakubu Bala (HOD)

2.⁠ ⁠Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Okogwa 

3.⁠ ⁠Msgr Dr. Emmanuel Maru

Theology & Religious Study